The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1887-12-06
JUST BEFORE AppoMArTox.
Meeting Betwecu Grant and Lincoln Just
Before tho Close Of tho War.

Before tho Close of tho War.
About A. m the general rode into
Petersburg. Many Of the citizens, panic
stricken, had escaped with the army.
Most Of the whites who remained stayed
indoors, few groups OF negroes gave
cheers, but the scene generally was one OF
complete desertion. Grant rode along
quietly with his staff until he came 20 a
comfortable looking brick house with n
yard in front, situated on one OF the prin-
cipal streets, and here he and the officers
accompanying him dismounted and took
seats on the piazza. A number OF the
citizens now gathered on the sidewalk and
gazed, with eager curiosity, upon the
features OF the commander Of the Yankee
armies.
The general was anxious 10 move west
ward at once with the leading infantry
columns, but Mr.. Lincoln had teleglaphod
that he was on his way to sec him, and
the general decided to prolong his st0y un
I'll the president came Hp. Mr.. Lincoln
soon after arrived, accompanied by has liz
tie son Tad" dismOunted Ia Che
street and came in through the
front gate with long and rapid
strides, his face beaming with de
light He seized Gen. Grants hand as
the general stepped forward 10 greet him,
and stood shaking it for some time and
pouring out his thanks and cOngcdtula
tons with all the feryor Of q heart which
seemed OVERLOOKING with rs tHllhcss OK
Joy / doubt whether Mr.. Lincoln ever
experienced a happier moment IN hrs iie
The scene was singularly affecting and
one never to be forgotten. He then SAID
DO YOU know. general. 1 have bad %
sort Of sneaking idea for some days that
You intended to do something like this,
though thought some time ago that sou
would So maneuyeg as TO have Sherman
come up and be near enough 10 cooperate
with you
Yes, " replied the general, Il thought
al one time that Sherman's army might
advance SO far as 10 be within supporting
distance of the eastern armies when The
spring campaign against Lee opened, but
have had % feeling that 10 Is better 10
let Lees old antagonists give his army
the final blow aud finish up the job single
handed.
IL see, / see, said Mr. Lincoln, but J
never thought Of il In that light. Ia fact
my anxiety has been SD great that ! didu {
care where the help came from So the
work was perfectly done
Mr. Lincoln then began 90 talk about
the civil complications that would follow
the destruction Of the Confederate mmIc,
in the field and showed plainly the
anxiety he felt regarding the great pfob
lens in statecraft which would soon be-
thrust upon him
Meanwhile Tad, Tor whom he always
showed great affection, was now hecum-
ing q little uneasy and gave certain ap.
pealiug looks u which % staff officer De-
sponded by producing some sandwlcEes.
which he offered 60 him, say iBg Here.
Young man, guess you must be- hungry
Tad seized them as IA drowning mHI
would seize lie preseryer and cried olt
"Yes, am: that's what the matter with
ne This greatly amused the president
aud the general in-chief, who had hearty
laugh at Tad 5 expense.
The general hoped that he would hear
before he parted with the president ,iat
Richmond was IN our possession. Dat lier
the interview had lasted about aa bonn
and a half, the general said he must ride
on to the front and join Ori column, and
took leave Of the president, who shook bis
hand cordially, and with great warmth of
feeling wished him God speed and every
success. Gen Horace Porter ia The
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